Kid-Friendly Kingston

By Lexy Correa

It’s no surprise Kingston is a kid-friendly city; tons of museums to explore, waterfront trails to roam, delicious eats, and shops that spark the imagination. We’ve pulled together the perfect family itinerary for your trip to our Limestone City.

5 Stores to Visit

The Rocking Horse

193 Princess Street

Known for their selection of classic and retro toys, board games, wooden toys, and stuffed animals, The Rocking Horse is a kids dream come true. If you’re ever looking for that must-get toy, this shop should be the first place to look.

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Minotaur Games and Gifts

78 Princess Street

If you’re new to Minotaur, get ready to be impressed with a large selection ranging from games, quirky toys and gadgets, crafting supplies, finger puppets, and everything in between. Kids will love the bright atmosphere and fun shelves to explore.

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Hip Kids

233 Princess Street

For the parents that have newborns and littles, this store is for you! Hip Kids provides everything from quality strollers, clothing, bath products and nursery items. Perfect for parents and families getting ready for a new baby.

Waterfront Gifts & Apparel

248 Ontario Street

Located steps away from City Hall and market square, Waterfront Gifts & Apparel is the place to pick up souvenirs and memorabilia to remember your trip to Kingston. Every surface in the store features something unique and locally-minded, with almost every product sourced from a Canadian merchant or artisan.

General Brock’s Commissary

55 Brock Street

General Brock’s Commissary is the local, wholesome store you can always count on. Steeped in tradition (it’s named after General Sir Isaac Brock and is located just seconds from the original commissary of Upper Canada from the war of 1812), they are known for their amazing curated selection of specialty foods. Kids will love the choices of flavoured hot chocolates, ciders and fudge!

Eats + Lunch

Harper’s Burger Bar

93 Princess Street

The next time the kids are craving something delicious, take them to this awesome local burger joint. Featuring fresh, handcrafted Enright Cattle Co. beef and kids’ movies routinely playing on their TVs, Harper’s is a must-try for any young burger lover while in Kingston.

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Score Pizza

91 Princess Street

Score Pizza is a great spot for picky eaters – think build your own sandwich, but pizzas! You’ll love the healthy, fresh ingredients and kids will love watching their creations cook in a stone-fired oven.

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Card’s Bakery

115 Princess Street

Who doesn’t love adding something sweet to their day? Card’s Bakery serves all manner of treats, from cupcakes and cookies to sandwiches and house-made chocolate. They also specialize in seasonal treats, so no matter what time of year you visit, there will be something special for you kids to try!

https://www.instagram.com/cardsbakery/p/C5UNfXeAUoI/?img_index=1

Mio Gelato

178 Ontario Street

Kids and gelato – the perfect match! If you’re both craving a sweet treat after dinner, stop by Mio Gelato. Some kid favourite flavours include Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Worms n’ Dirt, and Cheesecake (sampling is encouraged!)

Read More: 8 Kingston Kid-Friendly Restaurants

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5 Family-Fun Activities

Escape Rooms

Did you know Kingston has two escape room locations? Test your patience and problem solving skills with fun-themed rooms! The only way out is to work with one’s team to find clues and solve puzzles before the buzzer goes off after 60 minutes. Check out Improbable Escapes or Sherlock’s Escapes for family-friendly rooms.

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The Boiler Room Climbing Gym

993 Princess Street

For the family with kids that can’t settle down – this activity is perfect for you. Get that energy out with rock climbing at the Boiler Room. The Boiler Room recently moved to their new location at 998 Princess Street! The Boiler Room is Kingston’s only indoor gym offering bouldering, top rope, auto-belays, lead and Ontario’s first full-size 2 lane speed wall.

Explore the Waterfront

With Kingston being situated on Lake Ontario, there are tons of waterfront trails and scenic views to explore with kids. Start at Confederation Basin and take a photo with our #IinKingston sign. Kids will love the Spirit of Sir John A. train and views of the harbor. Another great waterfront park to wander is Breakwater Park – in the summer, you’ll find swimmers at the pier and kids enjoying the shallow beach.

Culligan Water Park

303 York Street

If you’re looking for somewhere to cool off and enjoy the water, Culligan Water Park by the Memorial Centre gives you plenty of fun options! Featuring a lazy river, a 10 meter water slide, a leisure pool, and a 25-metre four-lane lap pool, plus a splash pad just outside, this water park is a must visit for families in the summer.

Sun Harvest Greenhouse

2542 Perth Road, Glenburnie

Enjoy a U-Cut Experience in the flower fields! You and your kids will be able to cut your own flowers, make beautiful memories and bring home a colourful bouquet! While strolling through the colourful rows, get inspired and create a unique floral arrangement with your family.

The Fun Zone

541 Days Rd

Kingston’s largest, newest most amazing and entertaining spot for people of all ages. Offering you and your crew a new, state-of-the-art Laser Tag Arena, a Virtual Reality Room, plus an Arcade room equipped with Simulators! Our 3,000 square foot 2-level Soft Play Structure is adored by the kids too.

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